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Search for Missing Canoeist Continues in Maine

The search for a woman who went missing while canoeing in the Saco River in Fryeburg, Maine, is now a recovery mission, and one of the first responders who tried to save her is hospitalized in critical condition.

(Published Monday, May 29, 2017)

The search for a woman who went missing while canoeing in the Saco River in Fryeburg, Maine, is now a recovery mission, and one of the first responders who tried to save her is hospitalized in critical condition.

Jennifer Bousquet, 38, of South Berwick, went missing Saturday when she fell out of a canoe that capsized in the river. Wayne Demers, 62, of Somerworth, New Hampshire, and Brian Day, 54, of South Berwick, also fell out of the canoe, but made it to safety.

Officials said alcohol was a factor and Bousquet was not wearing a life jacket.

Two Fryeburg police officers attempted to perform a water rescue, but their police boat crashed near the shore, injuring Officer Dale Stout, 51, and Officer Nathan Desjardins, 20.

The events of the weekend have left some witnesses shaken. Paul Wall was paddling nearby, and heard the impact of the police boat crash and officers screams.

He said he paddled in the direction of the sound, and found Stout and Desjardins severely injured.

“When you look at the two officers, you look at one and know he’s got a chance,” said Wall. “When you look at the other, and you don’t know, you have to make a decision to help the one [first]. That was the hardest part for me — was to decide who to save. It’s terrible.”